No More Permits For Hillside Projects Says Najib. How Many Times Have We Heard This Same Bullshit?

The Government will not be issuing any more permits for hillside developments following the landslide tragedy at Bukit Antarabangsa early Saturday morning.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this on Saturday at a press conference after visiting the tragedy site.

He also told developers not to lobby or pressure the Government for any building permits for hillside development projects.

He said preventive measures must be taken to avoid hillside tragedies.

At about 4am Saturday, a landslide occurred at Taman Bukit Mewah in Bukit Antarabangsa that buried at least 14 houses.

***** As a people, Malaysians must be sick and tired of the government's assurances every time such a tragedy occurs. After a short period of mourning it is back to business as usual - The MBs keep enriching themselves by influencing the doling out of permits and the local authority bigwigs keep filling their private coffers by allowing development wherever the developer wants, as long as they pay the considerable bribes. One feels such a sense of helplessness amidst all the corruption and unwillingness of the government to at least do something about it. Terrible.

Among the many earlier posts:
1) DBKL - Another Greedy Bungler.
2) Bungalow Development At Bukit Gasing - Can We Believe DBKL?

Which Crook Selected This Arrogant Lowlife?

Two phone calls from his bosses, an empty stomach and poor time management saw the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president abruptly end a public hearing last Wednesday. Adnan Md. Ikhsan was chairing a meeting to hear public objections on a proposed commercial development in SS15.

Turning up an hour late, he proceeded to vet the attendees, talked about "compromise" and advised them how to conduct themselves. The meeting held on Deepavali eve was scheduled for 10.30am but started at 11.37am. Adnan, who said he had four meetings before that, started the session by trying to get uninvited residents to leave the conference room.

This prompted residents to ask why only 16 of the 31 who submitted forms to be invited to the hearing were allowed in. Quoting the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, Adnan said only those living within 20m of the proposed development could attend. When it was brought to his attention that the council was giving up a community hall without offering an alternative, the council chief spent 20 minutes educating the residents on "give and- take and the virtues of compromise".

"Before we start the session, there must be trust, honesty and fairness," he said. It was then that his cell-phone rang – a call from Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail – who was MPSJ’s first president – who had been alerted that residents were kept waiting.

"I am sorry for starting so late. I had four meetings before this. I have not even had a drink!" Adnan said after the call. "I can’t just cancel the previous meetings. I can’t ask them to go home although their time was up," he explained.

He also revealed that he had to cram so many meetings into one day as "I want to finish everything fast before I go on leave next week".

As a resident was presenting his case, Adnan told him to "simplify it because we are running out of time". He caught some by surprise when he appeared unsure of what project was being discussed, asking his officers: "Ada balai raya ke?" He then corrected the residents and explained that balai raya was smaller, while they were referring to a dewan serbaguna (multipurpose hall).

"There is a difference. Dewan is bigger." The meeting ended after Adnan received another phone call – this time from Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan. It was after this call that Adnan lost his cool when a resident chided him for his lack of focus and the constant interruptions on his cell phone. "What do you want me to do? That was the KSU and the KSN. Of course when my bosses call, I have to leave the room.

"I am feeling very hot now and I’m not comfortable with this discussion. I propose that we postpone the meeting to a later date. I’m sorry. I am also human. I also have feelings," he said. When those present objected, he said "Is it fair to me? I want to hear from you, but you see it differently.

"I want to move to another room so that only those invited will be let in. I cannot ask those uninvited who are seated to leave. It won’t be appropriate," he said and left at 12.10pm after shaking hands with some residents. (By Terence Fernandez and Geraldine Choong - The Sun)

***** Not only are our pemimpin generally considered woefully substandard, even the civil servants are as mediocre as their bosses. The Indon immigrant, Toyol must be extremely proud of his selection. Malaysia Boleh!
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Selayang Dog Killers Back Down

The stupid plan by the equally idiotic Selayang Municipal Council whose officials launched a competition earlier this month offering cash and other prizes to people who catch stray dogs in the town of Selayang, came to an ignominious end today.

The controversial Dog Catching Campaign was scrapped and the buffoons in the Council finally decided to do what they should have done from the beginning -- work with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and other animal-loving non-government organizations.

Only last week the Selayang Municipal Council defended the program, in which the council pays 20 ringgit for each dog that is delivered alive by people to their local community associations. However animal welfare activists said there were more effective ways to curb strays, including sterilizing dogs and punishing owners who abandon animals and have long accused city councils of endorsing cruelty to dogs, especially by catching strays using violent tactics that injure or kill the dogs.

Dogs are considered unclean in Islam, and most owners are from the minority ethnic Chinese and Indian communities.

It is hoped that this episode would serve as a lesson for those in authority to look before they leap and think twice before they encourage the unnecessary killing of animals which are not to their liking.

Score: The Rational Public -- 1, Majlis Maniacs -- 0
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First Pigs, Now Dogs! We're Going Down The Halal Path Alright

A Malaysian town won't let sleeping dogs lie on its streets anymore.

Officials launched a competition earlier this week offering cash and other prizes to people who catch stray dogs in the town of Selayang in central Selangor state, but animal welfare activists say the town council is barking up the wrong tree.

"We find it so distasteful. It makes (dog-catching) into a very fun thing, like fox-hunting," Christine Chin, head of the Selangor chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said Thursday. The plan could backfire because people might hurt the dogs or be bitten while trying to catch them, Chin said.

Razif Zainol Abidin, an official of the Selayang Municipal Council, defended the program, in which the council pays 20 ringgit for each dog that is delivered alive by people to their local community associations. "We have received a lot of complaints regarding stray dogs," he said. "The amount of stray dogs is increasing."

The council will also spend a total of 39,000 ringgit to build playgrounds or other projects for the three community associations that catch the most dogs, with a minimum of 150 dogs each within six months, Razif said.

So far, no dogs have been caught through the competition, Razif added.

Chin said there were more effective ways to curb strays, including sterilizing dogs and punishing owners who abandon animals.

Animal rights activists have long accused city councils of endorsing cruelty to dogs, especially by catching strays using violent tactics that injure or kill the dogs.

Malaysia, a mostly Muslim country, has strict laws on dog ownership. Dogs are considered unclean in Islam, and most owners are from the minority ethnic Chinese and Indian communities. (International Herald Tribune)
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Is This Advice To Councillors Going To Make Any Difference?

Frankly the warning given is timely and well worded. But without proper selection of councillors, strict supervision of those already in the various majlis2 and especially without direct elections to the local councils, such well meant caution, advice or warning is an exercise in futility. Read the NST report that follows.

Local councillors in Negri Sembilan were warned yesterday to either shape up or ship out. In a strongly-worded speech to the councillors, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said he would not hesitate to sack those who abused their positions for monetary gain or those who were only interested in gaining popularity.

"I have my people on the ground and I know what’s going on. I have received feedback about councillors who extort money from business operators. This is not good ... if you want to resort to this sort of behaviour, then it’s best you resign from your positions," he said at a one-day seminar for local councillors.

Mohamad also hit out at another group of councillors who, at the slightest chance, would turn to the media in the hope of getting some publicity. This is despite it being a minor issue or problem which could be solved at the administrative level. He said these councillors were seeking cheap publicity for their own personal gain.

Mohamad also gave a few examples of local councillors whom he felt were not fit for the job. "Some of them come to us with ridiculous applications to help out their friends and relatives, and I’ve also had complaints about others who are harassing entertainment outlet operators." He said the image of the state government was at stake if nothing was done to stop these councillors.

Mohamad also reminded local councillors that they played a key role in the district administrative process as they were the voice of the community as well as agents of the administration. "You are not there for your own agenda ... you are appointed to represent the people and to act on behalf of the government," he said.

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KL City Hall Super Quick To Demolish Squatter Homes And Temples But NOT This Restaurant! Why?

From The Malay Mail:

City Hall has denied any hanky-panky in the delay to demolish a restaurant in Jalan Datuk Keramat after yet another postponement. “There is no hanky-panky,” said a City Hall spokesman referring to the delay in demolishing Seri Villa seafood restaurant.

He stressed that City Hall would demolish the restaurant the soonest possible since the issue has been dragging since last year. “But procedures are procedures and it has to be adhered to,” said the spokesman. “Nobody can make a unilateral decision, not even the department director or the officer-in-charge of the area.

“A committee headed by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ab Halim Borhan will have to decide,” said the spokesman. He added that Ab Halim had fixed the coming meeting to discuss the fate of the illegal eateries.

Ab Halim, who is in Australia, said he was not aware of what had happened. “I will be back on Monday and will get feedback on the situation before I comment,” he said.

The Malay Mail reported yesterday that the owners of the eatery did not honour their promise to demolish the illegal structures. Last Thursday, a City Hall team had gone to demolish the eatery but decided to believe the owners’ words that they would tear it down themselves. City Hall later discovered that the owners had only demolished three huts which were part of the structures.

The lack of action has baffled residents who have been protesting against the illegal eateries which have been operating for the past few years.

City Hall town planning North Area 3 officer Nor Janah Affandi had said that the inaction was the final straw and the council would not tolerate another excuse. Nor Janah also said that City Hall had allowed the illegal eateries to operate until a decision was made at next month’s meeting.

***** Don't you get cheesed off reading time and again about such blatant favoritism? On the one hand, poverty stricken squatters are treated worse than dirt by city hall gangsters who demolish their ramshackle abodes the very second legal hurdles are removed, sometimes even before that. No mercy shown or appeal considered for some more time. Just evict and destroy, with the police on stand-by to arrest any desperate squatter who disagrees or protests. On the other hand we have this 'ever considerate' side of City Hall enforcers, who are willing to delay taking action for almost a year against those who have brazen disregard for rules and who with impunity build illegal structures which persist even till now, despite the numerous complaints of affected residents.

Why is this bias being allowed to continue without any action? My guess is,
A) Dirty, corrupt politician is behind the delay.
B) Dirty, corrupt high ranking official is on the take.
C) A & B
D) All of the above and more.

Take your pick!
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Selangor Government's Criminal Treatment Of TOL Status Residents.

The greed and avarice of Selangor state government leaders and politicians is well known. No one disputes that these ravenous leeches in human form are sucking the people dry and no one is able to understand why they are still kept in power! But that is the way things are done in our fair land of late and most of us are unable to do anything about it. Criminals and their nefarious activities under the guise of 'political leadership' are being condoned and the looting goes on unimpeded. Related below is the sad story of about 130 families who have and are still suffering because of the unquenchable thirst for ill-gotten wealth by Barisan Nasional politicians. Read and worry for your future.

More than 130 families who were relocated to new villages in Pandamaran in 1953 and given temporary occupation licences (TOLs) are today on the verge of being left out in the cold. "We were threatened and intimidated to accept paltry compensations and move after the 1995 General Election," said Ang Mah Chye, chairman of the Jalan Papan Residents Working Committee.

Their hopes, however, ran high in 1997 when the land where their houses stand was alienated to Bank Negara's Syarikat TPPT Sdn Bhd to develop Jalan Papar and its surroundings occupied by some 1,000 families. After many rounds of negotiations and demonstrations, the Selangor Government, in a letter dated March 10, 2004, agreed to TPPT's development proposal which included building 100 18ft x 65ft terrace houses to be sold to them at less than RM100,000.

Ang alleged that before the project could take off, some politicians from Barisan Nasional (BN) started lobbying to secure the project. "TPPT got fed up and offered to sell the land to us for us to develop according to the proposed plan which had been approved by Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and the state.

"Since we could not afford to buy up the land and develop by ourselves, we found a developer who agreed to help us. The developer also gave up when the politicians again used subtle intimidation tactics to frighten the developer.

"Again we found another developer who was willing to build even bigger terrace houses (1,396 sq ft built up area) and offer 220 units, instead of 100, for sale to us at less than RM100,000. This time, TPPT just ignored this more superior offer.

"We have been told the politicians have found their own developer and the offer was only for flats and that we would be relocated to another site near factories and swamps," said Ang.

"What has become of our politicians from the ruling government? Not only are they working against our interests, they are also sabotaging superior offers and compensations from developers who are prepared to help us."

The families' TOL status was terminated in 1993, effectively making them squatters. The MPK issued an eviction notice in 2005.

Speaking to TheSun at his committee's informal meeting last night to discuss their plight and options, Ang said today would be crucial when the court injunction they had obtained to stop the MPK from demolishing their houses expires. "We do not know for sure if we can get an extension of the injunction. The MPK will not hesitate to tear down our houses if there is no injunction."

Ang was also incensed over the MPK's action when they issued on May 24, 2005, a notice under the Emergency Ordinance 1969 (EO). "The EO was gazetted and used against Communists in 1969. If that is not intimidation, what is?" Ang asked.

Committee member V. Seelan, 25, said: "We are not unreasonable people. We are not asking for houses to be built for us free. We are paying. "Just don't give us a raw deal. Just fulfil what you (Selangor state government) offered in your letter, and politicians, please stop the sabotage."

Seelan said his family paid the annual property assessment up to 2004 upon receiving notices even though the land had been alienated to TPPT after the 1995 general election.

"The then Selangor Mentri Besar (Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib) had even, during election campaigning, announced that TOLs would continue to be issued," he said. (TheSun)

***** Only in Malaysia! Malaysia Boleh!
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ACA To Probe Pandan Safari Lagoon-MPAJ Corruption Link. Will Anything Positive Emerge?

The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has stepped into the controversy surrounding the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council and Pandan Safari Lagoon.

A Selangor ACA source confirmed yesterday that its officers have started investigations into the case. No further details could be obtained.

Selangor State Secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud, who is supervising the board of inquiry which will haul up the 15 MPAJ enforcement officers allegedly involved in the case, told The Malay Mail that he met ACA officers last week. The ACA’s involvement hinted at suspected corrupt practices within the council.

However, Ramli was quick to steer away from the issue to corruption. “Just because the ACA is involved doesn’t mean that there are corrupt practices,” he said.

Yesterday, The Malay Mail reported that Pandan Safari Lagoon water theme park was ordered to close in 2005 but continued operating without MPAJ taking any action against the operator. The management of the theme park was slapped with an order to close by MPAJ but enforcement officers did not follow through with the operator.

This was revealed by Ramli yesterday. The ACA will be looking at the council’s work processes or procedures and compare them with other councils in the State such as the Kajang and Subang Jaya municipal councils, he said. This is to see how a standardised and effective operating system can be put into place where the issuance of business licences and other duties are concerned.

“The problem in Malaysia is that sometimes, people set up the business first and then apply for a licence later,” Ramli said. “Most councils would have their own methods of doing things but what we are looking at is a standardised and watertight system with the proper checks and balances to enhance the delivery of services,” said Ramli. (The Malay Mail)

***** Firstly what kind of fool does State Secretary Ramli take us for? He proudly says that the ACA is investigating, then he quickly adds that "just because the ACA is involved doesn’t mean that there are corrupt practices!” Then why are they there for? To play tiddlywinks? This I suppose is how he managed to rise to the level of state secretary, by trying to please all sides and kissing as many butts in the process.

He further tries to pull the wool over our eyes by innocently stating that the ACA is there to 'look at and compare work processes or procedures with other councils.' RUBBISH! That is not the job of the ACA. They are specifically there because corruption has clearly taken place and is ongoing with impunity. Their task is to see how high up the bribery has gone and take down the entire lot of corrupted bastards infesting our local councils especially that greed merchant, MPAJ.

At least on paper that is the statutory task of the ACA. But alas this is the land of the possible where the boleh phenomena holds strong sway. I personally feel that the whole thing will be buried deep into some files in the state secretary's office. After all he is the one supervising the board of inquiry!
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MPAJ - A Recalcitrant Greed-Merchant.

For all the "I am angry," or "I'm shocked" crap that Selangor MB Khir Toyo has a propensity for dishing out whenever Local Authority and Majlis corruption is exposed, there is precious little he has done to curb it except to talk the talk. Does he condone these acts? It would be a reasonable assumption as the havoc created by these local councils shows no signs of abating and in fact has been increasing with more vigour and vim. If Toyo claims that he is ignorant of the wheeling and dealing going on in his state then it shows his inefficiency and unsuitability and he should resign at the earliest.

Instead of suing bloggers who report on a lot of hitherto unknown high crime in the country, especially those involving our so-called leaders, newspapers like the NST should expose these strategically placed crooks in the government.

The following report in TheSun is an account of the shameful greed which seems to be consuming the authorities in Malaysia. Read and seethe with anger.

OPEN SPACE 'POACHED'
(By R. Nadeswaran and Terence Fernandez)

The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) broke all rules and defied a ministerial order by allowing development on land meant for the benefit of residents.

Instead of preserving the open space reserved by the developer for public use, the council in 2000, approved the construction of commercial buildings on the land -- defying a directive from then deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to gazette all open space to prevent "poaching" by developers.

MPAJ gave the go-ahead for a "light industry" project on a 1,500 sq m site off the Middle Ring Road II (MRR II) in Pandan Indah. The developer, Pembangunan Jujur Sdn Bhd, had set aside the land for public amenities such as a post office, health clinics and recreational facilities.

Following protests over the years on the misuse of the land, the Hulu Langat District Office warned that the buildings were being occupied and operated without proper authorisation.

In a letter to MPAJ last July, assistant district officer in charge of land matters Mohtar Hani said the industrial zone had started operations without planning approvals. He recommended that the operators apply for a temporary occupation licence (TOL) while this matter is sorted out. But to date nothing has happened.

When the area was developed in the late Nineties, Pembangunan Jujur set aside the land in the approved master plan to be handed over to MPAJ. (This is to fulfil one of the conditions for a development order).

It is government policy to prohibit any form of development on such land except for "facilities beneficial to the residents". In this instance, it was zoned as tanah lapang or open space which is usually demarcated as "reserve".

No attempt was made to change the zoning for commercial development. (Only the state executive council can change the land use.) But, without changing the status of the land, MPAJ approved an application from the Hulu Langat branch of the Selangor Malay Petty Traders Association to build the commercial zone.

The association gave these reasons in its application:

* the land was "unsuitable" for recreational purposes as it was next to the MRR II;

* it needed to group the numerous auto workshops and light industries owned by its members that dot the area; and

* "achieving goals set for the New Economic Policy".

However, the development has not met the stated objectives. While there are workshops operated by non-members, they are not "small and medium factories" as claimed. In fact the land now houses showrooms, a furniture mall and even the service centre for the state assemblyman, Datuk Mad Aris Mad Yusuf.

Most of the lots are rented out and managed by Pandan Puri Corporation Sdn Bhd. The director of this company is Mohammad Abdullah, 49, the president of the association's Hulu Langat branch. Pandan Puri's other directors are Jalaluddin Zainal Abidin, 54, Nasir Saian, 47, and Ab Samat Mohd Ali, 43.

Jalaluddin is the chairman of a sub-committee set up (by the branch) specifically to "acquire" the land while Ab Samat is the treasurer and Nasir a member. The association's bid was supported by Mad Aris who attended several meetings with MPAJ and the district office.

Now residents are asking why the council surrendered its rights and where it is going to find space for public amenities.

The project was approved at the planning committee meeting on Oct 25, 2000, which was attended by 13 councillors, including Mad Aris, then MPAJ president Ahmad Kabit and council secretary Adailami Mohd Amin, and passed at the full council meeting the following week.

It was also agreed that MPAJ would plant trees along that stretch of the MRR II to conceal the commercial zone. But nothing has been done.
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Another Children's Playground About to Be Sacrificed?

"Leave our playground alone." That’s the appeal of Taman Kajang Prima ’s residents to the Kajang Municipal Council .

The residents were perturbed by talks that the playground will make way for a multi-purpose hall or a surau.

The presence of council workers and religious officers recently to survey the playground raised concern among the residents.

“There have been talks that the playground will make way for a hall while some say for a surau,” said Mohd Yahizan Mohd Isa, 47, a manager.

“The residents are not against the construction of a hall or mosque at Taman Kajang Prima. What we want is for the authorities to spare the playground. The developer has designated areas for the hall and surau. The playground should be left untouched. It’s for the children.”

Another resident, Thanga Raja, 49, also objected to the development of the playground. “I moved here seven years ago and the park is the only place for the children to play,” he said. “We are against constructing any building there.”

Lim Peng Wee, 72, said the playground is a place for him to meet friends and take his evening stroll.

Chuah Poh Teong, 53, urged the developer and authorities to build the mosque and hall on plots reserved for them. “Everybody needs the playground to pass their time,” said Chuah. “We have carried out many activities at the playground.”

Cheong Lai Yong, 51, claimed that she attends taichi lessons every week at the playground.

Taman Kajang Prima residents’ association adviser Khong Chee Seng said he has written to the Kajang Municipal Council to enquire about the status of the playground. He has also requested for a meeting with the council to find out if it had approved any development on the playground.

Khong also wants to meet the developer to discuss the matter. (The Malay Mail)

***** There it goes again. The insatiable greed and avarice of our state politicians, majlis dictators and money hungry developers, the true axis of evil, are working overtime to destroy yet another kid's playground all in the name of 'development' in order to enrich themselves - the officials, pocketing the kickbacks, by approving the proposal and facilitating easy passage for the project and the developer by making his big bucks at inflated rates and sharing his loot with the former. Can anyone stop them? Only the media by highlighting the issue can make the officials stop and think again. Politicians won't lift a finger if there is something in it for them. After the carnage the likes of Khir Toyo will make his rounds and pretend to be 'appalled' by the destruction while the members of this axis of evil laugh merrily all the way to the bank. So sad.
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Crooked Local Authorities Of Selangor. Khir Toyo 'Annoyed.'

A president and enforcement chief of two local authorities in Selangor may face the wrath of the state authorities for condoning illegal activities in areas under their purview.

They are Sabak Bernam District Council president over the recently exposed illegal gambling activities in Sekinchan, and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) enforcement chief where a theme park in Cheras has been operating without a licence for eight years.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said based on reports, the Sabak Bernam District Council president had approved the extension of the licence for the premises in Sekinchan which were later discovered conducting illegal gambling activities.

A police team from Bukit Aman led by CID director Datuk Christopher Wan Soo Kee raided the four premises in Sekinchan, located just across the road from the Sekinchan police station, last Jan 6 during which 188 gambling machines and 53 video-game machines valued at RM723,000, were seized.

Speaking to reporters after a monthly assembly with government employees here today, Mohamad Khir said he had directed State Secretary Datuk Ramli Mahmud to set up a task force to look into enforcement issues to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

"We can no longer accept excuses like they overlooked such cases because this is the responsibility of the enforcement unit. The officers concerned should carry out checks and take action without any favouritism," he added.

The theme park in Cheras was found to be operating without a licence after a worker drowned in a high-pressure water pump compartment there.

He said checks at entertainment premises should be carried out from time to time to ensure they were not used for illegal activities.

"If they cannot monitor, issue less licences," the Menteri Besar said.

***** So Khir Toyo can "no longer accept" the excuses by these corrupt people. All this while I suppose he has been naively believing their fairy tales and has been convinced that 'developed' Selangor has corruption free local councils! Why the sudden u-turn? Because they have been openly exposed, caught red-handed or the police are beginning to become less 'accomodating?' Why is it that only when there is no chance of covering-up or an issue has been blown up and plastered all over the national press and internet, that these state 'leaders' own up that everything is not hunky-dory and feign shock and disgust. In this respect, Khir Toyo is a Past Master in this form of histrionics.

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Local Council Corruption Alive And Well In Selangor.

The four family entertainment outlets in Sekinchan that turned out to be fronts for gambling dens should not have been issued operating licences in the first place.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said yesterday that this was because such licences could only be issued if the premises were located in malls or shopping complexes.

The guidelines, he said, were introduced to ensure better monitoring of family entertainment outlets.

"Council officials will be asked to explain why the licences were issued. Action will be taken if they are found to have turned a blind eye to the gambling activities at the outlets."

Police raided four illegal gambling dens in Sekinchan, which were located barely 100 metres from their station, on Saturday.

Dr Mohd Khir also announced a review on the granting of licences for entertainment outlets in Selangor.

He said new licences must now be supported in writing by local council heads and councillors who would have to face the music if the premises were later found to operate as gambling dens.

"As the ones who issued the licences, the onus is on them to monitor the activities at the premises." (NST)

****** Almost on a daily basis either massive corruption or extreme high-handedness by local councils especially in Selangor make the headlines. And as usual a totally 'outraged' and 'ignorant' Khir Toyo comes out with more pious statements. But what's the use? Selangor is still being plundered by these political pirates.
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Four Years Service Limit For Penang Councillors. Wonderful News. Now Implement It Nationwide

The tenure of service for councillors in Penang will be limited to four years only, the Penang State government said in a statement Thursday.

The ruling will take immediate effect, according to the statement issued by the Chief Minister's office here Thursday.

"The services of six councillors, including Datuk Ahmad Ismail of Umno and Ooi Teng Hoe of Gerakan, who have served for four years, will be terminated," the statement said.

The statement also said that 17 councillors were given their appointment letters Wednesday while 31 more would get theirs at a later date.

Penang has two local authorities -- the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP).

They have 24 councillors each who were picked from the main political parties in the peninsula -- Umno, Gerakan, MCA, MIC and PPP.

The state government also appoints District Officers as councillors -- two for MPPP and three for MPSP.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon expressed his gratitude to outgoing councillors for their services to both local councils. (Bernama)

***** Really that is indeed great news. It is one ruling that should be emulated by the other state governments. Of course one has also to note that now the tenure has been limited, some of our councillors might be in an unholy hurry to make their pile before their term expires. Previously they could take their time waiting for the most lucrative pot of gold before building palaces, like the way that Zakaria chap did in Klang. But 4 years will fly by almost unnoticed. Therefore the ACA should keep a close watch on the new bunch of councillors to nab the 'speedy gonzales' among them attempting to make big bucks in a hurry.
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MPK Health Director's Resignation - Sign Of Great Lawlessness In Selangor.

Klang Municipal Council (MPK) health director Dr Nasruddin Aspan has tendered his resignation out of fear for his and his family's safety after being attacked and threatened late last year.

Dr Nasruddin’s traumatic experience began when a group of men in a one-tonne lorry waylaid and attacked him as he was leaving his Taman Menegun Indah home for work on Nov 27.

He was attacked with a machete and iron rods and sustained a deep gash to the left side of his head, which required eight stitches, as well as bruises. The lorry had also rammed into Dr Nasruddin’s Naza Citra. The council then deployed enforcement officers to Dr Nasruddin’s house to protect him and his family.

To make matters worse, 10 days later Dr Nasruddin received a phone call telling him to quit his job or risk losing his life. The caller had also threatened to harm his family. It was learnt that Dr Nasruddin handed in his resignation a few days after receiving the phone call on Dec 7. Assurances by top echelon MPK leaders that he would receive due protection could not dissuade Dr Nasruddin from leaving the job. Dr Nasruddin, when contacted, said his decision was personal and declined to comment.

According to an MPK official, Dr Nasruddin’s resignation had been accepted. (TheStar)

***** What has the Selangor Police to say about this state of affairs? The health director of a council is a very important person. Among other duties, through him must pass approvals for most health related projects whether new, ongoing or on annual renewal. As everyone knows, many of these Majlis projects are cash cows and a strict director can put the spanner in the works on greed motivated ventures which ignore health regulations.

If Dr Nasruddin has been so violently attacked and his life and that of his family been threatened it indicates several things. Firstly he must have made some very powerful person or persons extremely unhappy in the performance of his duties. Secondly some powerful person or persons stand to gain tremendously by removing Dr Nasruddin from the post. The returns/income/windfall/fortune to be made by the health director's ouster must indeed be of a very high magnitude for the criminals to have attacked him so ruthlessly and willing to even commit murder. Finally it indicates that law and order at least in this area has broken down and the police must be made to answer for it.

The fact that Dr Nasruddin has resigned despite assurances for his safety indicates the mistrust he has on the MPK as well as the police. Where is the Selangor MB Khir Toyo on this issue? On the side of the director or the criminals?
Image - Source

'Study Trips' By Municipal Councillors - Any Benefit So Far?

If there is one thing that all our local councils and municipal authorities do efficiently and without fail, it is to take their annual lawatan sambil belajar. Numerous are the lofty reasons given for this pilgrimage to exotic places in the 'pursuit of knowledge.' I still remember that recently some randy buggers in Selangor even wanted to include belly dancing by statuesque Arab women in their itinerary. However an opposition spoilsport spilled the beans and ended that attempt at a 'close range case-study.'

Someone should do a little research on the total number of visits so far made by all our local councils, the purpose of each trip, the whopping fortune splurged as expenses and most importantly whether even one 'study trip' so far has brought even a little improvement in the way the councils do their duties. Chances are the findings will be very disappointing. It was therefore no surprise when I read in TheStar today that local councils in Johor are lamenting that there is 'limited choice' for study trips to learn from. That the best example for any study where efficiency is the keyword is right next to them in Singapore was conveniently ignored. Sometimes I wonder what kind of fools that the state governments think we are, to believe such outright lies about gaining knowledge when the only aim is to have a good time at public expense. Read about the latest bluff HERE.
Picture Source

Furore Over Orang-Orang Mall At Batu Pahat - What Gives?

A nondescript shopping mall has become the centre of controversy in the Batu Pahat Municipal Council (MPBP) when six Umno councillors objected to the local authority’s decision to lift a long-standing "stop-work order" against the developer and have threatened to resign.

The shopping complex in question, Orang-Orang Mall, being built in Dataran Penggaram in the heart of the town here, was originally supposed to be a single-storey building with 12 retail outlets. But following strong demand, the developer opted to expand the building by adding another floor and increase the retail space to 18 units.

However, the necessary amended building plans were not submitted to the council for approval before construction began. The councillors are unhappy that the illegal extension is being allowed by the council despite complaints by ratepayers that the expanded mall will only exacerbate the already chronic lack of parking space in the town.

It is learnt that MPBP had imposed an undisclosed fine and has asked the developer to resubmit the building plans. But the Umno councilors are not satisfied and are insisting that a stop work order be issued until the matter of the amended building plans is properly resolved.

***** I can understand if this protest came from NGOs or the ratepayers association, but surprise, surprise, the ones creating an uproar are actually councillors and that too from Umno!! These are the very people who have distinguished themselves in their only task as councillors and that is to raise their right hand during council meetings and shout "SETUJU." These are freeloaders and passengers on that perpetually running gravy train called Local Council. Their principal raison d'etre is to enrich themselves as much as possible during their tenure, while giving the local council the veneer of legality it needs to carry on with its corrupted activities unimpeded. Period.

It is not clear why the six were unhappy but sources said they were pulling out as a "matter of principle", following the public outcry over Port Klang Assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Mat Deros’s palatial home in Pandamaran, built without approval from the Klang Municipal Council. If this is true, I'm sure that all of us will be extremely happy and gratified that for once councillors have shown some spine and are ready to stand up to abuses perpetrated by the local authorities.

Hopefully over the next few days things will become clearer and then we shall probably be in a better position to decide whether this new found courage of some councillors is basically on principled and altruistic grounds, if ulterior motive is the root cause or some yet undetermined power play is in progress.

Spending RM40,000 On A Seminar For 50 People Is Peanuts, Says Selayang Municipal Council President!

Of course that mother-of-all-wastrels, Selayang Municipal Council president Zainal Abidin Azim can say what he likes. After all it is not his hard earned money. It is the ratepayer's blood and sweat that he is squandering.

The gumption of that man is quite incredible. Among the gems in his statements:
1) The three-day, two-night stay at the Awana Golf and Country Resort for MPS councillors and department heads was a working trip aimed at fostering good ties.
2) Accommodation for the seminar was being provided on a twin-sharing basis, which showed that the council was prudent with its expenses.
3) “I don’t think spending RM40,000 on a seminar for 50 people can be considered an expensive venture!”

***** Why, I would like to know, is it that only in a luxury surrounding such as the Awana Golf and Country Resort can good ties be fostered? Can it not be achieved at the workplace? Or does the 'fostering' require more 'conducive' surroundings like those purportedly used by a certain political pair?

Why spend forty thousand ringgit on a totally purposeless seminar which can be held at the council building itself? Will the president or the other monkeys calling themselves councillors have gone ahead with this luxury meeting if they had to bear the entire expense? Just because they have control over the ratepayers' money, do they have the guts to splurge like this. They are nothing but a bunch of greedy freeloaders and should be condemned as such.

Yesterday's related post here: Profligacy, Thy Name Is Selayang Municipal Council.

Profligacy, Thy Name Is Selayang Municipal Council.

IT LOOKS like local governments and councillors have not learnt anything from the recent negative publicity surrounding their actions. It has in fact become worse, especially where the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) is concerned.

It seems that the boardroom isn't good enough for it to hold its full board meeting and seminar. The Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resort (AGHGCR) seems more suited for the three-day event beginning Sunday.

All in all, some 50 staff, including heads of departments would be attending the event and staying at the hill resort. The entire cost, between RM30,000 to RM40,000, is borne by the MPS.

A source said the council had booked 40 double deluxe rooms for the three-day, two-night stay in AGHGCR. The package comes with five meals a day and a convention room for the seminar.

Residents are fuming mad.

Ahmad Fadzil, 46, a resident in Pinggiran Batu Caves, wondered why was it so hard for MPS to understand that such trips were a waste of taxpayers' money. “There are several potholes and numerous streetlights are not lit in my area,'' he said. “The money should be to good use such as rectifying these problems, not on working holidays.''

DAP Selangor state exco member M. Batumalai, who is also a resident of Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, agrees. “The money could be used to help poor people in the area or even food problems in Rawang,'' he said. “It is unethical for MPS to abuse public funds like this,'' said the 39-year-old who has been a resident in the area for the past four years.

Bandar Country Homes Residents' Association chairman Soong Beng Khoon said it was fine to hold a seminar since there were six newly-elected councillors for the 2006-2008 term. “But full board meetings are where residents' issues are discussed. Why not begin this by making it more convenient and cheaper by holding it at the MPS building premises itself?''

MPS president Zainal Abidin Azim could not be contacted for comments. (TheStar)

***** So the gravy train goes on and on, unimpeded, uncorrected and undisciplined. Speaks volumes of the non-governance prevalent in Selangor today. These wastrels are spending thirty to forty thousand ringgit of the people's money AND no one can stop or question them! The MPS president remains nonchalantly unavailable for comment, perhaps until the gala event is over. After all the Auditor-General's query on this monumental waste will only come after five years, so why worry now?

What is the Capo di tutti capi of Selangor, Don Toyo doing about this? Or must even a council matter be referred to the PM before action is taken? When will the scourge of toyolism and its evil perpetrators be finally banished from the once pristine land of Selangor? The State and the residents have been inflicted with so much punishment over the years, I sometimes worry if the damage done is reversible.

Klang Municipal Council (MPK) Councillors Sworn-in Under Tight Security, Like Criminals.

Have you ever heard of a swearing-in ceremony of any local council or perbandaran which took place under heavy security? That too in Malaysia? But it did, in the 'developed' state of Selangor. Apart from Royalty and leading members of the government, the only ones who receive this type of tight security are criminal elements in prisons.

So where do you think that our councillors fit in? Among the leaders or the criminals? What was the Perbandaran so afraid of? Media people who might report on the oath-taking? Or perhaps they were mortally scared of the innocent victims of their collective greed showing up and exposing our Berkhidmat Untuk Negara councillors for what they really are and that the 'swearing-in' might become a 'swearing-at'?

Didn't the councillors feel ashamed that they were given police protection to shield them from the very people they ostensibly represent?

Read the Bernama report here:
The swearing-in ceremony of the 18 Klang Municipal Council (MPK) councillors for the 2006-2008 term was held Friday under tight security, with roads leading to the MPK building here heavily guarded by about 40 policemen and the council's enforcement unit personnel.

While policemen, traffic policemen and Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers mounted road blocks at the perimeter of the building, MPK's enforcement unit personnel guarded every access into it and the hall where the swearing-in ceremony took place.

The ceremony began at 9 am and proceeded without any untoward incident. It was later followed by the first meeting its new councillors, where its 2007 budget was debated.

An MPK official said the security measures were taken to avoid any untoward incidents.

The swearing-in ceremony was originally scheduled for Oct 19 but faced postponements until today due to controversies surrounding some of the designated councillors, who apparently had failed to submit building plans for the construction of their houses here.

***** Total disgrace is the only description I can give for this wilful and shameless waste of taxpayers' money.

Bungalow Development At Bukit Gasing - Can We Believe DBKL?

The plan to develop 142 bungalow lots on a 15.2-hectare site in Bukit Gasing here, causing public uproar, has yet to be approved by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ruslin Hasan said a decision on the application for the development would only be made after DBKL's Sensitive Areas Environment Committee had considered all the technical information at hand. He said the committee was in the midst of arranging a meeting on the matter that would be chaired by the secretary-general of the Federal Territories Ministry. "The feedback received will then be presented to me so that a decision can be made based on existing guidelines," he told reporters here Thursday.

He said the technical information needed was in the process of being gathered and the whole exercise was expected to be completed in a month.

Ruslin said that development work by Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd in Taman Gasing Indah, which borders Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, only involved soil tests. "The work done covers only a small area and as such does not need any approval," he added.

The mayor said the application would be rejected if studies showed that the area had no granite but only stony and sandy soil and shale, which would make piling work difficult. He added that DBKL was concerned about development in hilly areas and on slopes as it was against government policy and to avoid tragedies.

The design plan for the development of the 142 bungalow lots was approved by the Selangor Urban and Rural Development Department in the early 1970's. The initial plan was for the building of 71 lots of bungalows of 25,000 sq ft in size each.

"However, on May 25, 2005, the land owner presented a new design plan to increase the number of lots from 71 to 142," Ruslin said.

-- BERNAMA

***** Is this more obfuscation from the DBKL? Can or do you believe the Mayor? Why should we, when all these years legally sanctioned rape of the green areas has been allowed to go on with impunity?

It's the usual bullshit. First a harmless statement about soil tests going on, no approval yet, committee to assess and then suddenly the piling machines are brought in and it's too late to do anything. Somebody, somewhere makes a huge pile, politicians get their cut as do the Perbandaran big boys and semuanya ok.

Who are the corporate bigwigs involved in this Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd? This time I know who to ask. The same person who exposed the Kampung Berembang greed merchants - Nathaniel Tan.

Related post: DBKL - Another Greedy Bungler.